Grand Bay/Dubique Multipurpose Facility
The Grand Bay/Dubique Multipurpose Facility, is a major civic and community project in the southern village of Grand Bay (Berekua). Funded under the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) Cycle 10, with support from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Government of Dominica, the facility has been designed to enhance both the physical infrastructure and the social development framework of the community.
Purpose and Infrastructure
This initiative was overseen by the Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports and Community Development, with an allocation of US$2,633,869 (approximately EC$7,098,014). The refurbished two-story reinforced concrete structure measures approximately 25 feet in width and 120 feet in length. Its redevelopment includes electrical rewiring, upgraded washrooms, new staircases, and a modernized annex intended to house residents who were displaced by Hurricane Maria. The ground floor has been reconfigured to accommodate a village council office and public library, providing vital administrative and educational services. The facility is also envisioned as a flexible venue for workshops, training, and civic gatherings, making it a focal point for governance, education, and social interaction.
Community Role and Uses
The Grand Bay/Dubique Multipurpose Facility will serve as more than a building. It is intended to be a living part of the community’s growth and resilience. Residents will be able to access public services, library resources, and council meetings under one roof. The space is suitable for cultural events, youth programs, and emergency coordination during natural disasters, reflecting the government’s broader commitment to community development in rural Dominica. In addition, it is expected to strengthen Grand Bay’s long-standing reputation as a hub of culture, politics, and civic engagement in the south.
Strategic Importance
Grand Bay, also called South City, is historically one of Dominica’s most politically active and culturally vibrant villages. With a population of about 2,300, its development has always depended on community-focused infrastructure. The Multipurpose Facility complements existing institutions and contributes to national policies of rural development, resilience building, and disaster readiness. By combining governance, education, and cultural functions in one modern structure, it reflects the type of multipurpose infrastructure increasingly promoted by Caribbean development frameworks.